Question Details

Find the incorrect statement about plasmids

Options

A

they are circular

B

they replicate independently

C

they are transferrable

D

they are single stranded

Correct Answer :

they are single stranded

Solution :

To identify the incorrect statement about plasmids, let us analyze their key biological characteristics step-by-step:


1. Nature of Plasmids: Plasmids are small, extrachromosomal DNA molecules found most commonly in bacteria, though they can also be found in archaea and multicellular organisms.


2. Structure: The standard structure of a plasmid is double-stranded and circular. Thus, the statement "they are circular" is correct.


3. Replication: Plasmids possess their own origin of replication (ori), allowing them to replicate autonomously and independently of the chromosomal DNA. Thus, the statement "they replicate independently" is correct.


4. Transferability: Many plasmids contain genes that facilitate conjugation, enabling them to be transferred from one bacterium to another. Thus, the statement "they are transferrable" is correct.


5. Strandedness: Naturally occurring plasmids are double-stranded DNA molecules, not single-stranded. Therefore, the statement "they are single stranded" is false.


Hence, the incorrect statement about plasmids is "they are single stranded".

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